PERA: Complaints & Compliments
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Oversight Portal
If you would like to file a complaint, compliment, make a recommendation to change a police policy, or want a review of a completed complaint investigation conducted by the police department, please click on the following link.
Complaints
What type of complaints does PERA accept?
- EXCESSIVE FORCE – The use of greater physical force than reasonably necessary to effect a lawful purpose.
- HARASSMENT – Any repeated unwarranted verbal or physical abuse, annoyances, threats or demands.
- DISCRIMINATION – The delivery of police services conducted discriminatorily on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual or gender orientation, disability, age, gender, or economic status.
- INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE – Any harsh, violent, profane or derogatory language or any action that demeans the dignity of an individual, including, but not limited to profanity, racial, ethnic, sexist or racial slurs.
- THEFT – The taking or concealing of any item of value without the consent of the rightful owner and with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of that item.
Complaints must be filed within 1 year of the incident.
Request a review of a completed Providence Police Complaint Investigation.
- You must have filed the complaint with the Providence Police within the last year.
- The complaint must be completed.
- You must have a reason why you believe the complaint was not handled correctly.
- Fill out all the required information using our portal to request that PERA review the completed case file.
How do I file a complaint?
An alleged victim, a witness, or a parent or legal guardian may file a confidential complaint by calling 401-680-5790 or online via this link.
Then what happens?
- A staff member will contact you to discuss the complaint.
- The Executive Director will review it for recommendation to the PERA Board.
- THE BOARD CAN EITHER:
- Dismiss the complaint.
- Hold for further information.
- Refer to mediation.
- Request a full investigation.
- Refer to the police department for an investigation.
Complaints are most easily filed via our online portal. To file in-person please contact us at 401-680-5790.